Damascus: Syria's interim government announced on Sunday that sectarian clashes in the Druze province of Sweida have been "halted" following the withdrawal of tribal forces and the redeployment of security forces to the southern region. The announcement comes as part of efforts to implement a US-brokered ceasefire deal aimed at preventing further Israeli military intervention in support of the Druze minority.
According to France24.com, Druze fighters successfully expelled rival armed factions from Sweida city on Saturday. This development followed a ceasefire order from the government, which was part of the US-negotiated deal to avert further Israeli involvement. The Syrian interior ministry spokesman, Noureddine al-Baba, confirmed on Telegram that Sweida had been "evacuated of all tribal fighters, and clashes within the city's neighborhoods were halted."
Despite the ceasefire, Bassem Fakhr, spokesman for the Men of Dignity, one of the largest Druze armed groups, informed AFP that there was "no Bedouin presence in the city." However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that "tribal fighters withdrew from Sweida city on Saturday evening" after a significant attack by Druze fighters. Fighting reportedly continues in other parts of the Sweida province, despite the Druze regaining control of the city.
The US-brokered ceasefire deal, announced by Washington on Saturday, involved an agreement between Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged the Syrian government to prevent jihadists from committing atrocities and to hold accountable those responsible for such acts, including within their ranks.
US pointman on Syria, Tom Barrack, who is also the US ambassador to Ankara, stated that the ceasefire deal had the backing of Turkey and Jordan. He called for unity among Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to build a peaceful Syrian identity. A meeting in Amman with Syrian and Jordanian diplomats resulted in an agreement on steps to support the ceasefire's implementation.
Sharaa, in a televised speech, reiterated his commitment to protecting Syria's minorities and condemned crimes committed in Sweida. However, Israel expressed skepticism about Sharaa's promises, citing previous violence against minorities under his leadership. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed concerns on social media about the safety of minorities in Sharaa's Syria.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least 940 people have been killed since the onset of violence, including Druze fighters, civilians, government security personnel, and Sunni Bedouin. Israeli strikes reportedly resulted in the deaths of 15 government troops. The United Nations estimated that the fighting has displaced at least 87,000 people.
Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa outlined plans for a second phase of the ceasefire, which includes opening humanitarian corridors to aid those affected by the conflict.